If you're looking for an electric or a gas pressure washer, the first & most important standard rating you need to pay attention to is the PSI or Pounds per Square Inch rating. The PSI rating measures the amount of force (cleaning power) that the pump is able to create in the water. The incredible pressurized force of the water, coming out of the spray tip, is what makes pressure washers such effective cleaning tools. The more PSI, the faster & deeper the cleaning.

The water coming out of your our average garden hose has a rating of about 40 PSI. But PSI ratings for electric pressure washers start at 1,500 PSI. And you'll see PSI ratings of 4,000+ on gas pressure washers.

Compare Pressure Washer Ratings: GPM

The GPM or Gallons per Minute rating is the second rating you should pay attention to when you compare pressure washer models. The GPM rating calculates how quickly the water flows through the washer. More efficient washers have higher GPM ratings. The faster water flows through the pressure washer, the faster you'll be able to clean.

I highly recommend the AR Blue Clean AR383as the best electric pressure washer for any homeowner! Here's why I think it's the best electric unit:

It provides 1900 PSI which gives you very good cleaning power & speed - and it has an Annovi Reverberi Triplex 3 axial piston pump! As a pro, I know very well that the quality of your pump is critical for good cleaning results, consistent performance & long life. This Annovi Triplex pump is a much higher quality & longer lasting pump than you'll see on other electric washers. And you can read other customer reviews on Amazon.com.

And I know you'll really appreciate that this AR Blue Clean has a hose reel! Finally - you can get a hose reel on an electric unit! Trust me, the fact that you can neatly & quickly store your 20ft hose on the unit will help you work faster & more safely. And it's also easier to store. You can check this item at Amazons price.

Yes, there's a lot to like about electric pressure washers. And their prices. But, I want to mention that electric washers are built with lighter engines, pumps and parts. So they don't last as long as a gas unit. And if your pump does wear out, you'll have to replace your entire electric pressure washer unit. Electric pumps are not replaceable.

And an electric unit may not be the best choice for you if need to clean tougher projects like mold, mildew, oil or grease stains, strip paint or clean very large areas. Quite frankly, you need more power to tackle these heavy-duty jobs. And that's when a gas pressure washer is an ideal choice.

Gas pressure washers are for serious cleaning projects and professional/commerical use. They are constructed with higher-quality engines, pumps and parts. So, with minimal maintenance, they're designed to consistently perform for years! For many hundreds - or thousands - of working hours. They're cleaning workhorses.

Gas units have significantly more PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) power than electric models. So they clean faster than electric models - and they can clean up the toughest projects.

And, if you wear out your pump, it's replaceable! And cheap. You won't have to invest in an entirely new gas pressure washer. Gas pressure washer pumps are incredibly easy to replace - just remove a few bolts - and you can get a high-quality replacement pump forjust a little more than $100.

When you compare power, quality, speed & cost, I really recommend the Generac 6596 as the #1 gas pressure washer!

Here's why I think it's the best gas pressure washer choice:

With it's powerful Generac 196 cc OHV gas engine, you'll get a whopping 2,800 PSI with 2.5 GPM - which is a powerful amount of cleaning power! You'll be able to clean much faster than if you were using an electric unit.

For such a power house of a washer, this Generac weighs a relatively lightweight 65.5 lbs. But what makes it very unique is that it has a specially designed frame that perfectly balances the engine & pump over the axle, for lighter handling. This Generac washer moves easily & effortlessly!

The spray gun is molded so it's comfortable in your hand - even if you're using it for a long time. And I really, really like the oversized Never-Flat tires. Goodbye to irritating flat tires while you're working.

Gas pressure washers are great if you've got serious cleaning jobs - or you're a pro. But, unfortunately, they are priced higher than electric units. And because of their heavy-duty components, they're much heavier. They take more effort to move.

Also, gas units are loud and they do omit fumes. So you can't use them indoors.

I hope my information on how to compare pressure washer ratings makes it much easier to find the right pressure washer for you!

Always check your pressure washer owners manual for maintenance, warranty & repair advice. This website is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from the manufacturer or owners manual.